City Engineer to Probe Missing Items from Pune Municipal Commissioner’s Bungalow

Pune, 7th August 2025: Several expensive items, including air conditioners, chandeliers, and electronics, have reportedly gone missing from the official bungalow of the Pune Municipal Commissioner located in Model Colony. In response, Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed City Engineer Prashant Waghmare to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.

The incident came to light after media reports highlighted the disappearance of materials worth lakhs of rupees from the bungalow, which was previously occupied by former Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale. Following his retirement, officials visiting the bungalow discovered that four air conditioners, two televisions, antique brass lamps, chandeliers, walkie-talkies, remote bells, a coffee machine, kitchen tops, and other furnishings were missing.

Despite 24×7 security at the premises, no internal probe was initiated until media scrutiny forced the administration to act. The revelation has raised serious questions about accountability and inventory management within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

Speaking to the media, Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated, “It is the responsibility of the Building Department to maintain an inventory of the items in the Commissioner’s bungalow. I was unaware of what was present before my tenure began. I have asked the City Engineer to conduct an inquiry. It is incorrect to term this a theft without facts. We are also trying to understand how unofficial and possibly inaccurate information reached the public.”

He added that the Warehouse Department is responsible for the materials and said he was unaware of any recent procurement of new items worth ₹20 lakh.

Meanwhile, citizens’ groups and RTI activists have demanded greater transparency and accountability.

Vivek Velankar, President of Sajag Nagarik Manch, said, “It is shocking that valuables have gone missing from the Commissioner’s residence. If even that location isn’t secure, what can common citizens expect? The PMC must file a police complaint, and a CID probe should be ordered.”

RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar also criticized the administration’s silence. “The Estate Management and Building Department is trying to suppress this issue. After the disappearance of costly items, new purchases are being made without accountability. The Municipal Corporation should register a formal case,” he said.

As pressure mounts from activists and the public, the outcome of the ongoing internal investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances behind the missing materials.